There are several types of carpet
cleaning procedures that you might consider for your carpet. The
most popular is the steam or hot water extraction system, but you
may prefer one of the other systems that leave the carpet relatively
dry after cleaning. These would include the absorbent powder
extraction system, the bonnet/spin pad system, the dry foam shampoo
system or the rotary shampoo system.

With the ABSORBENT POWDER EXTRACTION SYSTEM, a cleaning compound is
distributed on the surface of the carpet, agitated with counter
rotating brushes, allowed to dry, and then vacuumed up. The compound
actually absorbs the soil and the dirty compound is vacuumed away.
Generally used to improve appearance, it is used as daily cleaning
of high traffic areas in airports, restaurants and airports. This
system is very well suited for those who do not desire wet cleaning,
yet want some extraction. Drying time is immediate and carpets can
be used right away.

The BONNET/SPIN PAD SYSTEM is a minimum moisture system where a
liquid cleaning agent is applied to the carpet and to the spin pad.
Using a low RPM rotary cleaning machine, the carpet surface is then
buffed with the spin pad. Soil is absorbed into the pad and when it
become sufficiently soiled, the pad is changed. This system is
considered an "appearance" cleaning method and is ideally suited for
maintaining large areas of commercial carpet. Drying time is one to
three hours.

With the DRY FOAM METHOD, a high foaming detergent is aerated and
applied to the carpet nap with a dry foam machine, brushed into the
carpet and extracted. The cylindrical brush cleans down to the base
of the carpet. The soil is suspended and the oily soils are
emulsified. Powerful suction lifts out dirt laden foam in seconds.
This cleaning method is especially effective in cleaning huge
amounts of carpet very quickly, as is shopping malls, casinos,
offices, airports, etc. It also is used in residential cleaning when
consumers desire immediate drying time, which is usually one hour or
less. Some residential customers prefer the convenience and the
drying time of the dry foam method, because problems such as
overwetting, shrinkage or browning are virtually eliminated with
this method.

The SHAMPOO CLEANING method is considered a wet cleaning method. A
high foaming detergent/shampoo is applied to the carpet nap using
the low RPM rotary cleaning with a carpet brush. The brush spins the
shampoo into the carpet, suspends the soil and emulsifies oils. The
carpet can then be vacuumed with a wet vac. Many cleaners simply
brush the carpet with a pile or nap broom and do not extract. The
carpet can be vacuumed when dry. This is considered an "appearance"
cleaning. Some carpet cleaners, however, use the shampoo method as
the first step in the "two-step" process of cleaning. The second
step is extraction with a steam cleaner.

The STEAM (Hot Water Extraction) method involves applying a
soil-releasing agent or pre-conditioner to the carpet along with
steam (hot water) and almost simultaneously extracting. This method
is well adapted to deep, thorough removal of soils from a carpeted
surface. Properly performed, this method will result in clean, fresh
carpets with a minimum or resoiling due to residue left in the
carpet. With the current move toward "cleaning for your health
first, and appearance second, steam cleaning, with its superior soil
removal capabilities seems to be the method of choice for the
foreseeable future.

No matter which method you prefer, the key to success lies with the
individual technician. Each method can offer cleaner carpets if the
cleaner is trained, skilled and motivated to do the job properly